Assisted Multicare Transportation, a non-emergency medical transportation company in Pikesville, is expanding its provided services with help from the State of Maryland.

The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) is providing the company a $50,000 loanthrough theMilitary Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program (MPVSBLP). Assisted Multicarewill use the loan to purchase medical supplies including monitors, portable oxygen, resuscitation devices, and trauma, safety, and pediatric equipment. The company is owned by Armel Possi, a current Air Force Reservist.

Assisted Multicare will also purchase an ambulance to add to its fleet of vehicles, allowing it to act as a "full service" provider and offer service to any person in need, regardless of disability. Additionally, by becoming a full-service company, Assisted Multicare will work directly with medical facilities and hospitals, providing a one-stop-shop for patients and their transportation needs. The company anticipates adding new jobs and hiring 20 more employees by 2017.

"Helping our veterans and military families achieve success, whether through buying a new home or expanding their business, is critical to our State's economic vitality," said Governor Larry Hogan. "We look forward to working with more veteran-owned companies like Assisted Multicare to help them expand, add new customers and create jobs."

"The majority of our clients would be unable to go to important medical appointments without companies like ours. It is a privilege to help these people, some of which are my fellow veterans," said Mr. Possi, president of Assisted Multicare Transportation. "Now that I am a reservist, I am able to continue serving my community and country by providing transportation for those in need."

The Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program was created in 2006 and is administered by DBED in consultation with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). The program accepts applications from small businesses that employ military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, as well as companies employing service-disabled veterans. Veterans who own a small business are also eligible to apply for funding.

"The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is honored to be a part of this valuable loan program," said Maryland Secretary of Veterans Affairs George Owings. "This loan, awarded to Assisted Multicare Transportation, will help Mr. Possi purchase equipment and enable him to service more patients. He also serves his country as an Air Force Reservist, so we say Aim High! We wish him success as he expands his business in Maryland."

"When we can support a local business and help promote the success of a returning veteran, that's a very good combination, especially when it helps further our emphasis on the healthcare as an important sector in Baltimore County's economy," said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.

Assisted Multicare helps customers take the stress out of transportation by training all drivers to safely operate vehicles and medical equipment. Formed in 2012, the company transports passengers to and from doctor appointments, rehabilitation centers, nursing facilities, and more. The company offers services in Maryland and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.